The City and County of Denver and the Regional Transportation District are eyeing a redesign of the 16th Street Mall that would reduce the frequency with which pedestrians and buses cross paths. More than 40,000 people take the Free MallRide buses every day and that number is expected to climb to more than 70,000 by 2035. “As pedestrian traffic and ridership grow in this crucial corridor in the years ahead, our agency is pleased to be working thoughtfully with our partners in determining the best path forward,” said RTD CEO and General Manager Dave Genova. “We believe the public will appreciate the changes that have been proposed.”

Apply for free and low-cost trees

There is less than a month for Denverites to apply for free and reduced cost trees through The Park People’s Denver Digs Trees program. The entire city and county of Denver is eligible to apply for trees, and people may request as many trees as they have space for. Applications are available until February 15, 2018. The tree distribution and sale is on Earth Day weekend, April 21 and 22, 2018. To complete an application or get more information, text ‘TREE’ to 797979, visit www.TheParkPeople.org, or call 303-722-6262 for a paper application.

Veronica Barela retires after 40 years

Veronica Barela, President & CEO of NEWSED retired after 40 years of service to the community as of year end 2017. Barela plans to remain active in the community. A retirement party was held in her honor on Saturday, January 27th. La Voz will publish her profile in next week’s edition. Andrea Barela will lead NEWSED as President & CEO.

Our Government

White House

Second Lady Karen Pence had quite a unique experience speaking with art therapists. In Cairo, Carol Hammal is a pioneer in the field. She is the only art therapist in Egypt. Even though Hammal is the sole art therapist, she works at a hospital and also with other psychologists at the Wellness Hub, a holistic treatment center where a number of practitioners with various specializations provide healing and therapeutic services to clients. She leads monthly workshops to make others aware of the benefits of art therapy.

Colorado Governor

Gov. John Hickenlooper announced the release of the Colorado Electric Vehicle (EV) Plan, delivering on a directive set forth in the July 2017 Executive Order, “Supporting Colorado’s Clean Energy Transition.” “The Colorado EV Plan serves as a roadmap to build out a fast-charging network, giving Coloradans the ability to travel anywhere in the state in an EV,” said Governor John Hickenlooper. “The plan includes a set of goals and strategies that ensure Colorado continues leading in adoption of EVs and leverages the economic development and tourism benefits.”

Denver Mayor

Mayor Michael B. Hancock and the City and County of Denver are featured in the Promise of Place: Building Beloved Communities for Black Men and Boys Report released by the Campaign for Black Male Achievement (CBMA). “Denver will continue to expand our partnerships and support programs and services that work to remove barriers, eliminate achievement gaps, and create more opportunities to improve outcomes for boys and young men of color,” Mayor Hancock said.